Sudan’s military has regained the Republican Palace in Khartoum from rival RSF forces after nearly two years of conflict. Reports confirm celebratory advances by soldiers, while humanitarian crises worsen with over 28,000 casualties. Despite the military’s gain, RSF maintains control in other regions, contributing to ongoing turmoil and accusations of human rights violations.
Sudan’s military has announced the retaking of the Republican Palace in Khartoum, the final area in the capital held by rival paramilitary forces, after nearly two years of conflict. Soldiers were seen inside the palace celebrating, indicating this significant milestone in the ongoing war. Reports describe the palace as partially destroyed, with troops chanting, “God is the greatest!” as they advanced within the compound.
Khaled al-Aiser, the information minister for Sudan, confirmed the military’s control over the palace on social media, proclaiming, “Today the flag is raised, the palace is back and the journey continues until victory is complete.” This marks a critical victory for Sudan’s military under the leadership of Army Chief Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan, expelling the rival Rapid Support Forces (RSF) from Khartoum since the war’s inception in April 2023.
Despite this territorial gain, the RSF has not acknowledged their loss. The group retains control of areas outside Khartoum, with reports indicating RSF gained control of al-Maliha, a significant city in North Darfur. The Sudanese military has acknowledged ongoing skirmishes in that region, yet has not confirmed losing the city itself.
The conflict has escalated into a humanitarian crisis, with the United Nations stating it has resulted in the loss of over 28,000 lives, displacing millions, and leading to extreme food scarcity. The Republican Palace has historical significance, symbolizing Sudan’s government through various political shifts, including during colonial rule.
Sudan’s political landscape is fraught with turmoil. Following the removal of President Omar al-Bashir in 2019, a brief democratic transition was interrupted by a military coup led by Burhan and Dagalo in 2021, resulting in the ongoing warfare. Both the military and the RSF have faced allegations of human rights abuses throughout the conflict, with the RSF accused of committing genocide. The fighting has exacerbated civilian suffering, prompting international condemnation.
The recapture of the Republican Palace marks a pivotal moment in Sudan’s military campaign against the RSF, reflecting shifts in territorial control after months of battle. Despite this victory, the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe raises concerns about the conflicts’ toll on civilians. The historical context of the palace adds layers to its significance, emphasizing the complex political history of Sudan. The international community continues to watch the situation closely, as both factions face serious allegations of human rights abuses, compounding the urgency for a resolution.
Original Source: apnews.com
